An East Lancashire law firm has thrown its support behind the arts, donating £5,255 to an entertainment venue. 

Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors (WHN), which has eight offices across East Lancashire, including in Blackburn, Great Harwood and Clitheroe, has committed to a year-long sponsorship of The Met, an independent arts and entertainment venue in Bury.

The Met opens access to the arts for the Bury community and helps develop musical talent in the region.

It is run by Bury Metropolitan Arts Association and is a registered charity supported by Bury Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

WHN has handed over a £1,250 donation to the charity, adding to the £4,055 the firm has committed over the past three years.

Director at WHN Solicitors, Daniel Long, said: “As a sponsor of The Met and a firm committed to the communities in which we operate, we recognise just how important the support and work the charity does locally is.

“The Met makes a really positive difference to the wellbeing of those in Bury and the surrounding areas, so we’re more than happy to extend a hand of support.”

The sponsorship will help the charity fund its outreach and education work, which is designed to get people of all ages and abilities involved with the arts, explore their creativity, build confidence, and improve wellbeing.

Creative learning workshops include theatre groups, music tuition, dance and yoga classes, as well as sessions for the over 50s to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Chief executive of The Met, Victoria Robinson, added: “We firmly believe that access to the arts is a right for our community and we work hard to make our organisation as accessible for everyone as possible.

“As a charity, the generosity and support of local businesses helps us to provide sessions both inside our building and across Bury and promote the wider benefit of accessing creative activity.

"The sponsorship and continued support from WHN Solicitors ensures we can continue our work and remain a hub for our local community.

“WHN has been a firm supporter of The Met for a number of years, so we’re absolutely thrilled to see them commit to another year of support.”